The Manitoba government is investing more than $2 million for upgrades at Spruce Woods Provincial Park in western Manitoba, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced here today. “This investment represents our government’s commitment to improving Spruce Woods Provincial Park in the Westman region for families to explore and enjoy.” said Moyes. “With free park entry for 2025, this summer is the perfect time for Manitobans to enjoy our beautiful parks and take in all they have to offer.” This important investment of more than $2 million will fund upgrades to the park including a pair of significant projects on two trails and improvements to electrical services for campers, noted the minister. “Spruce Woods Provincial Park is not only a gem for our local communities but also an important draw for visitors from across Manitoba and beyond,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “This investment reflects our government’s commitment to enhancing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities in the Westman region. By supporting parks like Spruce Woods, we are fostering tourism, economic growth and community pride. It’s a privilege to help make this vision a reality.” A new floating boardwalk and viewing platform will be installed on Isputinaw Trail. On the Spring Ridge Trail, a flood-damaged pedestrian bridge will be replaced, Moyes noted, adding campers will benefit from 70 new electrical pedestals being added to the Kiche Manitou campground. Additional improvements include relocating a maintenance yard away from a flood-prone area and purchasing new equipment to support park operations. “Our mandate is to promote and enhance the public’s enjoyment of Spruce Woods Provincial Park,” said Ann Stout, president, Friends of Spruce Woods Provincial Park. “We are proud to partner with the Manitoba government and staff to preserve and improve the park, ensuring it is a welcoming space for families. These upgrades reflect our shared values of environmental stewardship and community engagement, and we look forward to the lasting positive impact they will have on Spruce Woods and the Westman region.” Park interpreters continue to offer engaging experiences all summer at Spruce Woods Provincial Park and elsewhere across the province including guided trail hikes, site tours and campfire talks. These programs help visitors connect with the beauty and heritage of Manitoba’s provincial parks, the minister noted. To find details on upcoming interpretation programs, visit a park office or go online to www.manitobaparks.com. For information on working in provincial parks, along with park visitor information, visit www.manitobaparks.com and follow Manitoba Parks on X and Facebook.

Donation to be Matched by Provincial and Federal Governments, Supporting Emergency Response and Community Recovery Brandon, MB – July 16, 2025 – Genesis Hospitality Management — In response to the devastating wildfires affecting Northern Manitoba, Genesis Hospitality Management has donated $30,000 to the Canadian Red Cross wildfire relief efforts. The donation was made during the eligible period for the matching program announced by the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada. “We are grateful for the generosity of Genesis Hospitality for its support of the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal,” said Luc Mullinder, Canadian Red Cross vice-president for Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut. “Red Cross teams have been working non-stop to help people evacuated from their homes. This donation will help with efforts to assist people impacted by the numerous fires in Manitoba.” “Supporting the regions where we live and work is part of who we are,” said Kevin Swark, Executive President of Genesis Hospitality. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires, and we are especially grateful to the emergency personnel who continue to put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.” This contribution is a direct show of support for the people and responders working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure, including the Flin Flon area—home to a Genesis Hospitality property, the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre since 1988. “We have proudly been part of the Flin Flon community for over four decades, ” added Kevin Swark. “It’s more than just a business to us—it’s a second home. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone working to protect this special place.” Genesis Hospitality extends its heartfelt thanks to the firefighters, RCMP, Manitoba Wildfire, emergency medical responders, and volunteers whose bravery and dedication have helped safeguard Manitoba during this challenging time. “We also want to thank the many community members, supporters, and government officials who have shown leadership and compassion during these trying weeks, ” said Kevin Swark. Founded and headquartered in Brandon, Manitoba, Genesis Hospitality Management is a privately owned company that owns and operates thirteen hotels with over 1,700 guest rooms across three Canadian provinces. With years of experience, their executive team brings expertise in managing full-service hotels, limited-service properties, and conference centres — including both franchised and independent brands. Genesis Hospitality offers a comprehensive suite of management services designed to maximize support and drive sustained revenue growth. For more information, see our website at https://www.genesishospitality.ca.

Assiniboine Credit Union is proud to announce that Assiniboine Credit Union Place and Assiniboine Credit Union Agricultural Centre are the new names of two major components of Brandon’s historic Keystone Centre. The naming rights were most recently held by Westoba Credit Union, which merged with Assiniboine Credit Union and Caisse Financial Group in January 2025. The Keystone Centre is a joint venture between the City of Brandon, Government of Manitoba, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba and private donors like Assiniboine Credit Union. Kevin Sitka, Assiniboine Credit Union President & CEO, is thrilled that over 1.8 million visitors a year will see the newly merged credit union’s name when they attend hockey games, exhibitions, concerts and other events. “We are committed to people, businesses and partners in communities throughout Manitoba, which includes producers and businesses that support the agricultural economy in Western Manitoba,” Sitka said. “And being associated with the Keystone Centre — one of Brandon’s largest economic catalysts and contributor to the social fabric in Western Manitoba — to be part of its legacy, is very exciting for our newly merged credit union,” he adds. “We’re thrilled about the continued evolution of our partnership with Westoba Credit Union as they merge with Caisse Financial Group and Assiniboine Credit Union,” says Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre. “For the past eight years, Westoba Credit Union has been a dedicated naming rights partner, committed to collaboration and to strengthening the Keystone Centre’s role in the community. Our early conversations with the broader team at Assiniboine Credit Union have been incredibly positive, and there’s a strong sense of optimism that this valued partnership will not only continue - but grow even stronger,” says Lawrence. Sitka adds that the Keystone Centre’s mission, “to build and strengthen community one experience at a time,” is an outlook that “really resonates with what Assiniboine Credit Union is all about.”

Summer is in full swing, and so is Lemonade Stands for Hope. From July 18-20, lemonade stands will be popping up across the province as part of a community-wide effort to support those facing cancer. Manitobans are encouraged to find and visit a stand near them. All funds raised through the lemonade stands stay in Manitoba to support local cancer research and patient care at CancerCare Manitoba. “Lemonade Stands for Hope is a great way for young people to create positive change through their fundraising efforts,” said Sherelle Kwan, Community Events Managers at CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. “With hundreds of stands taking place across the province, we’re excited to see communities come together to support those we know and love who are touched by cancer. It’s going to be a busy weekend!” How you can help: Find and visit a stand near you by checking out the map. Host your own stand, this weekend or anytime this summer! Learn more and register at Lemonadeforhope.ca

Fans of '90s singer-songwriter powerhouses are in for a treat this fall as Grammy-winner Paula Cole and chart-topping artist Sophie B. Hawkins team up for a co-headlining concert at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The Brandon stop is part of a special western Canadian leg of the tour and marks Hawkins’ first full Canadian tour in years, celebrating the 30th anniversary of her landmark album Whaler. Known for hits like “As I Lay Me Down” and “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover,” Hawkins brings her distinct blend of pop, rock, and emotional vulnerability back to live audiences in an intimate setting. Joining her is Paula Cole, who broke into mainstream success with the Grammy-winning “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don’t Want to Wait”, the latter becoming widely recognized as the theme song for the hit series Dawson’s Creek. Cole’s soul-stirring vocals and genre-defying music continue to resonate with audiences old and new. Together, the duo offers a nostalgic yet fresh evening of music and storytelling, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike. Tickets are on sale now through the WMCA box office and online at wmca.ca. In addition to Brandon, the tour includes stops in Winnipeg, Prince Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Camrose, Calgary, and Vancouver. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see two iconic voices share one unforgettable stage.